Abstract

Aim

Somatostatin Analogs are useful for treatment of Gastroenteropancreatic Neuroendocrine Tumor (GEP-NET) because increase patients Progression Free Survival (PFS) and Overall Survival (OS). However, limited data are available for T-NET. Therefore, we conducted a retrospective analysis of G1-G2 T-NET patients treated with Octreotide LAR at our Institution.

Methods

From June 1997 to April 2012, 15 consecutive metastatic G1-G2 T-NET patients were treated with Octrotide LAR 30 mg fl i.m. every 28 days. Thirteen patients had pulmonary primary site and 2 patients thymic primary site. Nine patients were treatment naïve, 4 patients and 2 patients received one or more lines of chemotherapy, respectively. Toxicities were evaluated according to CTCAE version 4.0, and response according RECIST criteria.

Results

Two (13%) patients experienced partial response, 12 (80%) stable disease, and 1 (7%) patient progressive disease. Partial response was obtained in 2 pulmonary NET. Median number of administrations was 13 (4-72). At a median follow-up of 34,7 months, median OS is not reached (9 patients are still alive). 2-year Survival is 67%. G1-G2 toxicities were diarrhea and asthenia; no G3-G4 toxicities were reported.

Conclusions

In our experience, Octreotide LAR was well tolerated and showed interesting activity in T-NET patients. Despite limited data are available for Somatostatin Analogs treatment in T-NET, our analysis is in line with activity and efficacy demonstrated in prospective trials conducted in GEP-NET.